[center][h1]B A T T L E  OF  B E R L I N[/h1][/center]

A glowing green bolt of plasma shot over the roof of the black SUV that the Night Owls were currently taking cover behind, followed by several more. The once historic and iconic architecture of Berlin was marred with scorch marks from plasma burns, the streets littered with residue from the strange pods and sparse gatherings of civilians encased in it. The Night Owls, led by Sgt. Mauss, were pinned down by the last remaining group of sectoids.

[color=a2d39c]"GRENADE OUT!"[/color] Yelled Sardou, as he threw a grenade he had primed moments ago and tossed it over the hood of the SUV, landing in the midst of four sectoids. The plasma fire stopped briefly as the grenade landed and exploded, filling the air with a rewarding squeal of distorted screams. Quickly Sardou ducked down, just in time as the remaining sectoids opened fire once more focusing more on the remaining owls [color=a2d39c]"That got their attention."[/color] He swiftly remarked, crouching next to Mauss as she pressed her back against the passenger door [color=a187be]"Good. Now keep it up."[/color] Her voice devoid of any discernible emotion, before she took a breath and stood up. She leaned over the rear of the SUV and opened fire, while Sardou did the same over the hood [color=fff79a]"H-how we d-d-doing?"[/color] Spoke out Bastion, a heavy cough accompanying his words [color=a187be]"I told you to keep quiet, Bastien."[/color] Mauss scolded him harshly, then a fierce look burned in her eyes [color=a187be]"We're not going to lose."[/color] The aliens failed to realize that the other two squads were quickly closing in on their flanks and would soon have a firing line on them. Mausss appeared to be collected and calm, but on the inside she burned with hatred. Four of her squad were dead, four of her closest friends.

...

Chambers had been the worst of them all. They had barely gotten off the Skyranger when they were ambushed on both sides out of nowhere. The smell of burning flesh and the sight of a once friendly face melted down to the skull is one that cannot be forgotten. Guy was only 22 years old. With the help of the other two squads, they managed to push the alien invaders back but two more brave soldiers fell. Four had died within the first 15 minutes of engagement. The firefight only grew more intense they harder they pushed, they were simply outnumbered on the field. It was obvious that this first strike was the alien's way of sending a message. 

Alarie...Lindholm...Artino...Chambers...Mauss would never forgive herself for their deaths, but she would do her best to avenge them [color=ed1c24]"In position."[/color] A male voice came over the comms, followed by a second [color=ed1c24]"So are we."[/color]. It was time to end this nightmarish battle and send these alien bastards to whatever hell awaited them "On my mark." Both Her and Sardou ducked back down, reloading their weapons. [color=a187be]"One..."[/color] Her breath slowed [color=a187be]"Two..."[/color] Her finger hovered over the trigger [color=a187be]"Three!"[/color] Her voice yelled out and a hail of bullets rained down on the sectoids' position, splattering their blood across the rough pavement.

A electronic voice came over the comms, the voice of the Eurpean A.I named 'Arthur' [color=7bcdc8]"No other hostiles detected within the vicinity. Mission Accomplished. Proceed to the Skyranger for extraction."[/color] Mauss let out a exhausted sigh as she loosened the grip on her rifle "[color=a187be]Copy that, on our way."[/color] Grief slipping into her voice. Before they regrouped and headed for extraction, Mauss took her rifle and fired a single shot into the large forehead of one of the sectoids, glaring at its corpse. Mauss made a mental count of the losses. 12 dead XCOM operatives as opposed to 49 sectoids. It was not good enough to win this war.

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[center][h1]O N E  W E E K  L A T E R[/h1][/center]

The XCOM Project has been fully activated and Skyrangers have been working around the clock to bring in the necessary crew and soldiers to staff each base properly. People from all walks of life and all over the world coming together for a singular purpose: The survival of Humanity. Each recruit received a coded message shortly after the Battle of Berlin concluded, announcing their services were needed. After being picked up in a remote location, each of you were taken to your respective bases inside a Skyranger filled with mostly other soldiers, and a few scientists and engineers.

The muffled sound of jet engines was constant throughout the flight, the interior  designed like a typcial troop transport but with much higher tech. In each case, the pilot of the Skyranger announced once everyone was in [color=6ecff6]"Take a seat and strap yourselves in. Secure your bags underneath your seats or on the shelving above your heads."[/color] His voice coming plainly through the speakers located above. Accompanying the flight, was a XCOM soldier dressed in full gear sitting at the back near the door to the cockpit.

A large bay door opened as the Skyranger descended, and closed once it was safely inside. After touching down, all the operatives were directed to an officer that would give them their Orientation including a list of rules and a tour of the facilities. The only areas fully restricted to soldiers were the base commander's office and the laboratories. Everyone was given free access to information about the aliens and it was recommended that they specifically read about the alien units. Once Orientation was done, they were assigned to a squad with a senior operative working as the squad leader.

Presently you are inside your designated barracks, a room with several beds and a few pieces of comfort furniture included such as a couch, a coffee table, and large monitor facing towards the couch. The monitor displayed the current status of each squad within XCOM and was constantly updating. You are waiting to meet with the members of your new squad, the people would be watching your back.

[@Jangel13]

The automatic sliding door to your barracks slide open as a grizzly bear of a man walks in, a thick black mustache curving around the edges of his lips. It is clear from the size of his arms that he could easily crush a person's skull. Despite his intimidating appearance, he walks right up to you with a small smile against his weathered face as he raised his right hand for a handshake [color=0076a3]"Lorzenso de Ávila."[/color] He simply says with a deep Brazilian accent, a friendliness in his tone.

Not long after he says this, Three others come in quick succession. A woman with piercing green eyes and half of her head shaved down short with the other half just below her chin, evidence of a scar running down from her shoulder towards her chest. She simply walks up against the wall and leans her back against it, observing the two of you. Second is another woman, Her curly, dark brown hair falls around just past her ears framing a gentle set of amber eyes. She proceeds to walk around the two of you and grabs a chair from the table, flipping around and sitting down with arms resting across the top [color=ec008c]"Oh, we're doing introductions already?"[/color] She asked coyly. [color=ec008c]"In that case, I am Velena Keiling."[/color] She announces proudly, a Jamican swing in her voice.

The third is a man with a young appearance, perhaps due to his freshly shaven face, and light brown hair. Dark blue eyes search the room clearly impressed as he makes his way in. He appears to be an American and as he turns the flag on his bag confirms it. None of them however seem to be the squad leader at the moment. The name of your squad was highlighted on the monitor: the Swift Vipers.

[@thedman]

A tall, bald man with brown colored eyes walked into the room [color=ed1c24]"Joseph Vitali I take it? I am Cpt. Daniel Bradley. Welcome to the Iron Talons."[/color] The asked directly, the XCOM logo on his brown t-shirt was enough to ascertain this was the squad leader. His next move was the extension of his hand towards you, a look of respect in his eyes [color=ed1c24]"I read your record. Impressive stuff, though I guess that's why you're here."[/color] Everyone in his base were here because they proved they had what it took to stand against the aliens. That meant that some of the toughest soldiers in the world would be joining up.

After your introduction, the rest of the squad slowly made their way into the barracks as well. First came Kathryn Sokolik, her height verged on the minimum for military service but she made up for it in how fit she was. Red hair fell just pass her shoulders, as she looked towards your with bright brown eyes [color=f7941d]"Nice to meet ya, Joe!"[/color] Plenty of energy in her voice for two people. Second came Patrick Wehinger, Sharp blue eyes matched well with his well kept blonde hair [color=0072bc]"Glad to meet you guys."[/color] He spoke with a sort of rural twist. The next person to arrive was Amiya Brooks, Her head was shaved down to nothing but a stubby mohawak which was dyed a dark purple. The look in her grayish-blue eyes suggested she might not be a people person as she simply nodded to acknowledge everyone. Lastly came Kahele Aolani, A man of clearly native Hawaiian descent [color=fff200]"One big happy family, huh?"[/color] A smile on his face as he made it in. 

[@NPC][@McSamsonite]

Everyone was already gathered in the center of the barracks by the squad leader, Seraina Holzer. Her hair was short and dark brown on the sides while the top was parted to the right and blonde [color=6ecff6]"Welcome to the Hell Hounds. My name is Maj. Serarina Holzer and I am your team leader. Now before we start introductions, let me be clear about one thing. I am your queen and you are my knights."[/color] A firm looked shone in her blue-gray eyes before it loosened with a hard smile [color=6ecff6]"As long as you understand that, everything will go smoothly."[/color] She then turned towards a man with well-groomed short black hair and striking light blue eyes "Let's start with you. Name and previous military service." She stated like a command.

He straightened up his posture as a response to her authority [color=2e3192]"Augustin LeMahieu at your service. I served under the Special Operations Command with the Army."[/color] It was impossible not to acknowledge the french accent. Holzer nodded and affirmatively and then looked towards a tall man with cleanly buzzed black hair and a trimmed beard [color=6ecff6]"Next."[/color] She asserted.

The man nodded and spoke out [color=f7976a]"Avery Johnson, with the British SAS. Pleasure to meet all of you."[/color] His dialect traced him back to Bristol, England. His dark brown eyes possessed a strange softness to them. Holzer turned immediately to the next person in her path [color=6ecff6]"Next."[/color] She repeated.

Attention now fell upon a man with well-tanned skin, dark brown hair framing a strong jawline [color=bc8dbf]"Cyril Vassallos. I served with the 1st Raider Bridgade. The aliens aren't going to know what him them."[/color] He stated confidently. A half-smirk rose on Holzer's lips [color=6ecff6]"Good."[/color] The last two that were left were Emily Verbeck from England and Trevor Hickory from Germany. She moved in front of Emily [color=6ecff6]"Next."[/color] Once stated again. As soon as Emily gave the information requested, it would be Trevor's turn to answer the Squad leader.

[@Zoey White][@Evil Snowman]

Inside of the barracks was relatively quiet, indicating that the walls were mostly sound-proof. This made sense when you thought about the base operating on a 24/7 schedule. People from all Oceania and Southern Asia were staffed at this base. Your squad, the Red Dragons, had entered the barracks as part of one group with your squad leader bringing up the rear.

As the door slid closed behind him, he clasped his hands together in front in the pocket where his rib-cage would stop [color=8dc73f]"Greetings Red Dragons, I am your squad leader Lt. Kyo Jin-Hwan. XCOM is honored to have you."[/color] Whatever accent he might have had, seemed to be watered down from travel. XCOM was forced to pull recruits from other regions in order to fully staff the Oceania base, that also served as the Main Headquarters [color=8dc73f]"I have read your files, but please introduce yourselves."[/color]

The first to speak up was an Australian, with thick light brown hair resting just over his ears [color=a36209]"Donovan Rogers ready to kick some alien ass!"[/color] He said while given a small demonstration of a punt then realized he might have been out of line just a little [color=a36209]"..Sir."[/color] he amended politely. Next after him came a woman from New Zealand with a chill to her gaze, her black hair tied back in a tight ponytail [color=00a651]"My name is Tama Tuitama."[/color] It was brief with a certain coldness accompanying the words, it probable that she had some personal grief with the aliens. 

Next up was a man with a large patch of skin on his right cheek that looked it had been heavily burned some time ago. Serious brown eyes surveyed his squad mates before he decided to speak up [color=a2d39c]"You can call me Reyes. I look forward to serving with you all."[/color] He stated surprising warmly for his fierce appearance. That only left Nian and Nadezhda to answer the Lieutenant. From Orientation, It was possible they could be leaving for their first mission within six hours. It was important to learn names and establish that first line of trust.

[@HachiRoku]

The squad leader, Zhu Yun, walked into the Barracks and went straight to his bunk where he opened his footlocker open "[color=f7941d]My grandfather used to say that everything meeting is made better with a hard drink..."[/color] He finished just as he pulled out a glass bottle with a white tint, the label showing it was a kind of Sake. The bottle went onto the small coffee table in front of the couch followed by six cups. Zhu Yun proceeded to fill every cup about half-way, the amount about equal to a small shot [color=f26522]"Take a sip and tell me your names. I Maj. Zhu Yun and I have been part of XCOM for nearly a decade. "[/color] He shared as he passed out the glasses [color=f26522]"Why don't you start?"[/color] He asked while looking a woman with black hair that was longer in the front and got shorter as it went back, golden eyes looking down at the liquid before tightening her back and drinking it in one go [color=f6989d]"My name is Ratana Chao. It is a honor to be here."[/color] Her face twitched a little as the aftertaste of the alcohol hit.

Zhu Yun turned towards a man with black cropped hair, his features distinctive of the Indian sub-continent [color=a187be]"I am Omar Mahanti, ready to take down the alien threat in this life or the next.[/color]" With that he drank from his cup as Zhu Yun moved on to the next squad member, this one had her black hair done up in a bun. A serious look stiffened her features [color=7ea7d8]"Ichihara Maiya. It is my wish to work well with you."[/color] Down her throat went the burning alcohol. The last person before Hiroya was a burly-looking man with a thick beard and bald on to top of his head [color=c4df9b]"Esmaeel Sayyad ready to serve."[/color] A certain wisdom accompanied his green eyes. At last it was Hiroya's turn, then it would be his choice whether to speak further with his squad or explore the base.

[@Ciphra]

Your squad assignment was different from the rest as you were sent to the Grim Crows, a more veteran squad of XCOM that was needing a fresh body to reinforce it. That was why instead of meeting a bunch of fresh faces in the barracks, you were faced with only one. Cpt. Helene Mauss. Her fearsome gaze with light purple eyes stared into you as she half-sat on the back of the couch, arms crossed. Oddly enough her hair was almost pure white, despite not looking that old. Nevertheless, she was here to welcome you to the team. [color=662d91]"Cole Duponte. Father was KIA shortly after you were born, moved from the United States to France. Joined up with Legion and later special forces."[/color] She read all of this off without a second thought [color=662d91]"That sound about right?"[/color] She asked rhetorically.

Without waiting for an answer she pushed herself off the ridge of the couch gently [color=662d91]"Tell me Duponte, what do you know of the aliens so far?"[/color] Helene was probing him to see what kind of answer he would give. The last thing she needed was some gung-ho rookie to make the wrong mistake and get a chest full of plasma. The rest of the team were probably on their way to greet their new 'rook', though they knew to let her have first crack at him.